III 

118TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION S. RES. 281 

Expressing support for the designation of the week of June 18 through 

June 24, 2023, as ‘‘National Firefighter Safety Week’’ in the United 

States and supporting the goals and ideals of National Firefighter Safety 

Week to raise awareness of the fire risks associated with improper 

disposal of lithium-ion batteries. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

JUNE 22, 2023 

Mr. CARPER (for himself and Mr. BOOZMAN) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 

Transportation 

RESOLUTION 

Expressing support for the designation of the week of June 

18 through June 24, 2023, as ‘‘National Firefighter 

Safety Week’’ in the United States and supporting the 

goals and ideals of National Firefighter Safety Week 

to raise awareness of the fire risks associated with improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries. 

Whereas firefighters play a critical role in safeguarding lives 

and property; 

Whereas the safety and well-being of firefighters are of the 

utmost importance and it is crucial to equip them with 

the necessary knowledge and resources to perform their 

duties effectively; 


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•SRES 281 IS 

Whereas the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the 

International Association of Fire Fighters, the Fire Department Safety Officers Association, the National Volunteer Fire Council, and the National Fire Protection 

Association are the leading organizations committed to 

enhancing firefighter safety and promoting best practices; 

Whereas lithium-ion batteries have become increasingly prevalent in modern society and are utilized in a wide range 

of consumer products, posing unique risks when involved 

in incidents and fires; 

Whereas the improper recycling or disposal of lithium-ion 

batteries causes fires, endangering the firefighters called 

upon to quell these blazes; 

Whereas programs, such as the assistance to firefighters 

grant program under section 33(c) of the Federal Fire 

Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2229(c)) 

and the staffing for adequate fire and emergency response grant program under section 34 of such Act (15 

U.S.C. 2229a), support initiatives aimed at enhancing 

firefighter safety, including training programs, research, 

and the development of specialized equipment and tools; 

and 

Whereas, during National Firefighter Safety Week, from 

June 18 through June 24, 2023, leading firefighter safety organizations are conducting a Safety Stand Down to 

raise awareness among firefighters about the potential 

hazards associated with lithium-ion battery incidents and 

to provide comprehensive training on response protocols 

and safety measures: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the Senate— 


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•SRES 281 IS 

1 (1) supports the designation of National Fire2 fighter Safety Week; 

3 (2) expresses strong support for— 

4 (A) the efforts of firefighter safety organi5 zations to promote firefighter safety relating to 

6 lithium-ion battery incidents; 

7 (B) training programs to educate fire8 fighters about the risks and hazards associated 

9 with lithium-ion battery incidents; and 

10 (C) participation of fire departments in the 

11 United States in National Firefighter Safety 

12 Week; 

13 (3) encourages— 

14 (A) efforts to develop standards and best 

15 practices that emphasize firefighter safety in 

16 dealing with lithium-ion battery incidents; and 

17 (B) public awareness regarding the safe 

18 use, safe storage, and proper disposal or recy19 cling of lithium-ion batteries; 

20 (4) supports community outreach programs 

21 that educate the public about the potential hazards 

22 and proper response to lithium-ion battery incidents; 

23 and 


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•SRES 281 IS 

1 (5) supports the goals of National Firefighter 

2 Safety Week. 

Æ 


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